Pennsylvania Science and Technology Grants

The "Helping Today" grant program, sponsored by The Erie Community Foundation, is designed to bolster Erie County nonprofits that are directly addressing the most pressing needs within their community. This initiative aligns seamlessly with the Foundation's broader mission to foster community well-being by empowering local organizations to make a tangible difference. The grant aims to strengthen the capacity of these nonprofits, ensuring they are well-equipped to tackle significant community issues. The primary beneficiaries of this program are individuals and families who are socio-economically disadvantaged, as well as historically marginalized communities within Erie County. The overarching impact goal is to uplift these populations by supporting projects that offer direct benefits and work towards equitable outcomes. By focusing on capacity building, the Foundation seeks to enhance the effectiveness and reach of its grantee organizations, thereby creating a more resilient and supportive community for all. The program prioritizes projects that enhance a nonprofit's ability to serve its community effectively. This includes support for a wide range of operational areas, such as general operations, program development, strategic planning, marketing and community awareness initiatives, capital purchases (including essential technology and vehicles), facilities improvements, and rigorous program evaluation. These focus areas reflect a strategic approach to fostering organizational health and sustainability, which in turn leads to more impactful service delivery. While the grant size can range from $10,000 to $100,000, individual grants are capped at $50,000 and must be utilized within a 12-month period. Expected outcomes include stronger, more efficient nonprofits that can more effectively address community needs, leading to improved conditions for disadvantaged and marginalized groups. The Foundation's theory of change is rooted in the belief that by investing in the operational and programmatic capacity of local nonprofits, it can catalyze significant positive social change and contribute to a healthier, more equitable Erie County.

This program provides funding to public entities in Pennsylvania for the development and improvement of public fishing and boating access facilities.

The City of York's Education, Empowerment & Enhancement (3E) Grant Program is supported by ARPA funds and aims to increase the operating capacity of small businesses. This program is rooted in the city's broader ARPA grant initiatives, which are designed to benefit City of York residents and the community. The alignment with the city's mission is evident in its focus on supporting local businesses, particularly those in Qualified Census Tract (QCT) areas, which the U.S. Treasury recognizes as disproportionately impacted. This strategic focus ensures that grant funds are directed towards areas and populations most in need, contributing to the overall economic resilience and social well-being of the city. The primary target beneficiaries of the 3E Grant Program are small business owners in the City of York who are minorities, women, or people with disabilities. To be eligible, businesses must also earn $500,000 or less in annual gross revenues, be registered, licensed, and in good standing on all City taxes and obligations, and be physically located within a QCT in the City of York. Additionally, no owners should have been convicted of financial crimes within the past three years. The program's impact goals are centered on fostering business growth and stability within these underserved communities by providing resources for education, professional development, and operational enhancements. The program's priorities and focuses are clearly outlined by the "3E's": Education, Empowerment, and Enhancement. Education encompasses classes, certificates, and training for business owners and/or their employees. Empowerment focuses on retreats, workshops, and coaching to build professional development. Enhancement involves improvements to business operations through new software, products, or equipment. These areas represent the core strategies through which the grant intends to address the operational capacity and growth challenges faced by eligible small businesses. Expected outcomes include a measurable increase in the operating capacity of participating small businesses. This can manifest as improved skills through education, enhanced leadership and strategic thinking through empowerment, and increased efficiency or service offerings through operational enhancements. Eligible costs must occur within a year of receiving grant funds, providing a clear timeframe for impact. The program's theory of change posits that by investing in these key areas, the City of York can create a more equitable and robust local economy, particularly for businesses in historically disadvantaged areas, leading to sustained growth and community benefit.

This program provides micro-grants to woman-owned small businesses in York County, Pennsylvania, to support improvements that foster growth and enhance customer experience.

The Philadelphia City Fund is offering a one-year grant of $15,000 to Philadelphia-based organizations working towards long-term environmental justice and community resilience, with activities including community organizing, education, youth leadership, and project implementation, to be used within 12 months of being awarded.

This program provides financial assistance to businesses, municipalities, and individuals in Pennsylvania for developing geothermal and wind energy projects, promoting renewable energy and job creation.

The Façade Improvement Grant, offered by the Town of Chesapeake City, is designed to support exterior façade projects that restore and promote the integrity of buildings while enhancing the visual characteristics of the community. This program aligns with the broader mission of community development by fostering aesthetic improvements and preserving the architectural heritage of Chesapeake City. It is funded by the State of Maryland’s Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) Community Legacy Program, indicating a strategic focus on local community revitalization through targeted property enhancements. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are property owners within Chesapeake City who are looking to improve the exteriors of their properties. The program aims to achieve several impact goals, including improving the overall visual appeal of the community, preserving historical or architectural integrity of buildings, and stimulating local economic activity through renovation projects. By encouraging property owners to invest in their façades, the program seeks to create a more attractive and vibrant environment for residents and visitors alike. The grant prioritizes and focuses on a variety of exterior façade improvements. Eligible projects encompass fascia and soffit replacement/repair, door and window replacement/repair, porch and step replacement/repair, painting, masonry repair, and repointing of masonry façades. Additionally, the program supports the removal of historically inappropriate features and the installation of historically appropriate or compatible ones, emphasizing a commitment to maintaining the town's character. Expected outcomes include a visible improvement in the condition and appearance of participating properties, leading to an enhanced community aesthetic. Measurable results could include the number of façades improved, the total investment in property renovations, and anecdotal evidence of increased community pride or tourism. The foundation's strategic priorities, as indicated by the funding through DHCD's Community Legacy Program, are centered on supporting initiatives that build stronger communities through physical improvements and cultural preservation, reflecting a theory of change where targeted investments in infrastructure and aesthetics lead to broader community benefits and increased civic engagement.

This program provides funding to expand high-speed internet access in underserved areas of Pennsylvania, targeting households and businesses lacking adequate broadband service.

This program provides competitive funding for community organizations and local governments to build or improve public facilities that support work, education, and health monitoring in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations and groups in Philadelphia that engage in a variety of artistic and cultural activities, including arts education, community art, and historic preservation.

This funding opportunity is designed to support organizations that provide resources and programs to help pregnant and parenting families in Philadelphia enhance their children's early learning and development.

This funding opportunity is designed for research partners in the Great Lakes-Northern Forest region to study and develop strategies for controlling the invasive Grass Carp population in Lake Erie and its tributaries.

The Pennsylvania HOME-American Rescue Plan Supportive Services (HOME-ARP SS) funds can provide a broad range of supportive services to individuals and families that meet one of the qualifying populations as defined in Notice CPD-21-10: Requirements for the Use of Funds in the HOME-American Rescue Plan Program. Supportive services may be provided to individuals and families who are not already receiving the services outlined in the Notice through another program. Applicants may establish a separate supportive services activity or activities or may combine supportive services with other HOME-ARP activities. Notice CPD-21-10: Requirements for the Use of Funds in the HOME-American Rescue Plan Program HOME-ARP funding is provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and administered by DCED. Financial Info: The minimum funding request for Supportive Services projects is $25,000. Up to 5% may be requested for administrative costs.

This program provides funding to non-profit organizations in Pennsylvania to develop and promote tourism initiatives that encourage overnight stays through events, facility improvements, and marketing efforts.

This program provides funding to expand high-speed internet access across Pennsylvania, targeting underserved communities and ensuring equitable broadband deployment.

The Chester County Community Foundation's Fund for ChesCo Capacity Building Grants program is designed to strengthen the effectiveness of nonprofit organizations (NPOs) serving the Chester County region. This aligns directly with the foundation's mission to support and enhance the community by empowering the organizations that work within it. The grants aim to help NPOs achieve a higher level of operational, programmatic, financial, or organizational maturity, enabling them to fulfill their missions more effectively and efficiently. The target beneficiaries for this program are NPOs located in and serving Chester County, specifically those with budgets of $500,000 or less. The impact goal is to enhance the overall effectiveness and sustainability of these organizations. By building their capacity, the program seeks to ensure that essential services and programs continue to be delivered to the community, ultimately leading to a stronger, more resilient Chester County. The program prioritizes several key areas for capacity building, including Mission, Vision & Strategy; Governance & Leadership; Partnerships & Collaborations; Operations & Technology; and Fundraising, Development & Marketing. Within these broad categories, specific focuses include organizational assessments, strategic planning, board development, executive transition planning, coalition building, financial management, technology improvements, and various resource development campaigns. Expected outcomes include improved organizational assessment and strategic planning, more effective governance and leadership structures, enhanced collaborative efforts among NPOs, more robust operational and technological infrastructure, and stronger fundraising and marketing capabilities. Measurable results could include documented strategic plans, increased board engagement, new or strengthened partnerships, implemented technology solutions, and successful development campaigns. The foundation's strategic priority is clearly rooted in a theory of change that posits that by investing in the foundational strength and operational capabilities of NPOs, the overall health and well-being of the Chester County community will improve. This approach recognizes that effective nonprofits are crucial drivers of positive social change, and by strengthening them, the foundation can achieve a broader and more sustainable impact across various sectors.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations delivering mental health services in Cumberland and Dauphin Counties, Pennsylvania, with a focus on measurable impact and community inclusivity.

This funding is designed to assist organizations in Pennsylvania that are working to quickly prevent and address homelessness among vulnerable populations affected by the coronavirus pandemic.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for state forestry departments, universities, nonprofits, and local governments in the Eastern U.S. to manage and combat invasive species that threaten forest health.

The Ohio Water Development Authority (OWDA) has established a grant program to fund research and development proposals addressing critical issues in wastewater, drinking water, water resource management, solid waste management, and energy resource development within Ohio. This program aligns with OWDA's mission to engage in research and development in these key areas, aiming to foster innovation and implement solutions that benefit the state. The grants are designed to support projects that fulfill a general need in Ohio and fall within the Authority's scope of powers. The target beneficiaries of this grant program are a range of public entities and academic institutions. Eligible participants include Local Government Agencies (Cities, Villages, and Counties), Water/Sewer Districts, Conservancy Districts, State agencies, and Institutions of higher learning that conduct research and/or development. The program seeks to achieve broad impact across the state by funding projects that address environmental and natural resource challenges, ultimately improving public health, water quality, and resource management for Ohio residents. Priority for grants will be given to projects that demonstrate statewide environmental and/or natural resource applications. OWDA has historically awarded grants in diverse areas such as surface water, wastewater, drinking water, solid waste, agriculture, and public health, indicating a comprehensive approach to environmental stewardship. The program focuses on fostering research and development that can lead to tangible and widespread benefits throughout Ohio, ensuring that the funded initiatives have a significant and positive impact on the state's natural resources and infrastructure. Expected outcomes include the successful completion of research and development projects that provide solutions to identified challenges in water, waste, and energy management. Grantees are required to submit a final report, which will serve as a measurable result of the program's effectiveness and the specific achievements of each funded project. While specific funding amounts can vary, the program typically offers between $100,000 to $500,000, with an allocated $200,000 dependent upon available funds, supporting eligible project costs such as start-up and research. Indirect/overhead costs are capped at 35% of the grant amount to ensure that the majority of funds are directed towards direct project activities.